[ ARC forum 2 ]

Al, do read...

Written by Paul B. at 16 Sep 2001 03:13:12:

As an answer to: A1, please read... written by AJ at 15 Sep 2001 21:21:38:

> A1, I can totally appreciate how scary the decision to see a Doctor can be.

Got you on the hop, have I? Going to the top of the list to be seen? (;-)

> You NEED to see a qualified individual who can examine and make an objective diagnosis

Is this not what I stated in bold type?

> NOT get a diagnosis and treatment advice from some guy from online (that could be dangerous).

Is this not what I stated?

> For all you know he could be a 10 year old punk with too much time on his hands that's just messing with you.

Absolutely.

You know, one of the things about growing up, is learning to take responsibility. It really is a dog-eat-dog world out there and there are few absolute points of trust. You must always examine everything with great care, and measure what new things you are told against what you trust already because it is well tried. In particular, you should ensure you understand things fully before you act on them, especially in something as important as this.

> If ... you are not sure or are unhappy with what your Doctor says you can always get an opinion, or a third etc.

Is this not what I stated? But why this sudden turn-around in your advice from "Do whatever the doctor tells you"?

> It is so important that you do get a professional opinion on your possible condition.

Is this not what I stated at every point?

> Stretching in some cases is far from desirable in some cases.

Oh, so you are now an expert on stretching? This is new. Are you now going to explain in what cases and why? Or is this just random mud-slinging? Is this what your doctor told you to get you to have the circumcision instead of trying stretching?

> Perhaps you could discuss your concerns with your parents.

Perhaps he could, though he clearly stated he couldn't/ didn't want to.

> I'm sure they will want to know and be able help and support you as they will want what is best for YOU.

Frankly, I'm pretty sure they would too, though there is just some slight concern that they would try and over-ride him (after all, he's only a child) and go with whatever the doctor said.

> Also, I'm not telling you that you need to be circ'd. Far from it.

No. You just keep repeating:
"If your GP thinks a circ is necessary",
"Many will tell you to try stretching. However",
"a consultant that deals only in this area and he, unlike my doctor, knew what he was talking about",
"it's always preferable to have a medical condition resolved by non-surgical means. However, this is not always possible.",
"surgery, which, like it or not, is the only way to solve some of the conditions related to the foreskin/penis.",
"I do not, unlike some, try and discourage surgery "

> Only a trained professional can do that.

Implying that a "trained professional" would.

> I post here simply to help where I can.

Commendable.

> If you have questions about my circ experience that you want to ask me, go ahead and ask and I'll tell you straight.

As indeed you have.


Answers: